Minimum waits for cataract surgery risking patients’ health, research says

Mandatory minimum waits for cataract surgery are putting patients at risk, a SpaMedica-commissioned report has said.

Around half of integrated care boards (ICBs) in England have introduced minimum waiting periods for cataract surgery, some of which are up to 16 weeks, the Minimum waiting times for cataract surgery: The impact on patients, families and the NHS report said.

The British Medical Journal published an investigation on NHS minimum waiting times for elective procedures, including cataract surgery in September 2026.

The SpaMedica report surveyed 520 people waiting for NHS cataract surgery over a month from December 2025 to January 2026.

Of those waiting for cataract surgery, 85% reported worsening vision, 69% said that their mental health has declined, and 75% reported becoming more socially withdrawn.

Almost one in three of those who were still working said they had reduced their hours as a result of their worsening vision, whilst 21% had stopped working altogether.

Three quarters of patients said they had needed more help from others since being referred for cataract surgery, whilst the vast majority (86%) of carers surveyed said that the patient’s declining health or independence had required them to provide additional care.

One in five patients reported that they had attended A&E or received treatment following a trip or fall. The report estimated that the cost of A&E attendances for those awaiting cataract surgery could be £21.67 million a year.

The report also noted a minimum estimated cost pressure of £7.6 million annually on GP surgeries, after one in three cataracts patients reported needing additional GP appointments whilst awaiting surgery.

Minimum waits for cataract surgery were brought in by ICBs to help manage elective activity and spending across the financial year, and to balance the money being spent on straightforward and more complex cataract surgery. The minimum wait was also cited as an opportunity for those with a greater risk of deterioration in their sight to be prioritised.

Alongside individual private surgeries, independent service providers are often commissioned by the NHS to support the reduction in eye care waiting lists by performing an agreed number of cataract surgeries. Around 60% of all cataract surgery is outsourced to private providers, it has been reported.

A financial burden

Each week of delay to cataract surgery represents an estimated £164 loss in health, care and economic value per patient, the report said. This equates to more than £400 million lost each year in England.

Age UK, the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), Fight for Sight and the Thomas Pocklington Trust provided insight on the completed research and offered further background information. Charities were also given the opportunity to be quoted in the report.

Robert Cooper, director of strategic engagement and implementation at the RNIB, said: “Any wait for care and treatment for an eye condition can cause anxiety and uncertainty for patients and their families. Any delay can have a significant impact on someone’s quality of life.

“Successful cataract surgery will ensure a person is able to go about their daily life; driving, staying in work and continuing to live independently. It’s critical all patients affected by changes in their sight can get the right support at the right time.”

SpaMedica is calling on ICBs to pause the introduction or expansion of mandatory minimum waits for cataract surgery until their clinical, economic and equality impacts have been fully assessed.

“Clinicians and charities we spoke to agree that minimum waiting times for cataract surgery are not a clinically-led response to system pressure,” SpaMedica said in the report’s conclusion.

Richard Woodward, CEO of SpaMedica, said: “Cataract surgery isn’t simply about improving someone’s eyesight. Timely treatment helps people stay independent, continue working and avoid the falls and additional health problems that can come with deteriorating vision.

“Making patients wait longer when capacity is available risks being a false economy, with the consequences felt by patients, their families and the NHS. We are asking commissioners to pause the further rollout of mandatory minimum waits and consider the full impact before extending these policies further.”